The Bayelsa Government has taken swift action by summoning the parents of a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man who allegedly partook in a marriage ceremony in the Akeddei community, situated in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The government’s intervention follows media reports highlighting the troubling union between the child bride and the older man.

In an official statement released on Saturday, the Bayelsa Government expressed its disapproval of the situation, categorizing the “union” as illegal. The statement, jointly signed by Dr. Dise Ogbise-Goddy, the Chairman of the Gender Response Initiative Team, and Mr. Paniebi Jacob, the Director of Child Development at the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development, emphasized that the marriage was not in accordance with tradition and customs. Furthermore, the government deemed it repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience, asserting its firm stance against any form of child marriage.

The government also acknowledged receiving a formal complaint from DO Foundation, a child rights advocacy group, regarding the contentious marriage. Additionally, the state Human Rights Commission confirmed that the traditional ruler of the Akeddei community responded to the government’s invitation, pledging to produce the child, her parents, the groom, the youth leader, and the chairman of the Community Development Committee.

“The Bayelsa State government has wholeheartedly endorsed the Bayelsa State Child Rights Law,” stated the government. “We are taking decisive measures to rescue the child from all individuals involved in this illegal ceremony, which they audaciously labelled as a ‘mere spiritual’ affair. The law unequivocally addresses matters related to traditions and customs that contravene natural justice, equity, and good conscience. Collaborating with the Bayelsa State Police Command, we will ensure that such incidents do not recur within our state.”

The statement also expressed gratitude to non-governmental organizations, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers and DO Foundation, for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the rights of the innocent child. Emphasizing that Bayelsa State is committed to being children-friendly, the government assured the public that the case would be diligently pursued until a just conclusion is reached.

However, various media reports have alleged that the marriage between the man, identified as Elder Akpos, and the young girl was arranged with the consent of the girl’s parents.